Green Flags When Dating Someone New

7 Green Flags To Look Out For When Dating Someone New

There are lots out there on the red flags to look out for when dating someone new. We've written about them. There are Reddit threads dedicated to them. There are even TED talks on the subject. But what about all the ways you know someone's the real deal? When all signs point to 'go'? There's not as much information out there on that, and if there is, it's more like 'they haven't just slept with your best friend' or 'you just know'.

Well, in case you're prone to chronic indecision, we spotted this fantastic Reddit thread on the early date signs that the person is worth keeping around for a while. These are the green flags that proved to lead to happy and healthy relationships, ranked from the most upvoted to the least.

Actually Listening

When I first started dating my husband I was surprised at how often he'd reference something I'd told him days or weeks earlier. The motherfucker was actually listening when I spoke. It blew my mind. -MovieGirl424

Fairly certain this is the only reason my wife married me. She is out of my league in every way possible. But goddammit I listen. -NewSicknessNewDay

Animal Lovin'

When we were first dating, I came into the room one day and discovered my now-husband cradling my cat and cooing to him over what a big, handsome boy he is. He (boyfriend/husband) was embarrassed but shook it off. Now that I think about it the cat was probably a little embarrassed as well. -KvetchBetch

Manners

I always notice when the other person is just as polite to complete strangers as they are to me. -PandorasTrunk

My boyfriend is super friendly to servers when we go out and I noticed it right away. Our first date I honestly wasn't really interested because from the first impression he seemed like one of those self centered arrogant people. I'm glad I went with him to dinner that night or we wouldn't be here now. He always talks so politely to servers and always uses their name. I have a second job serving and love it when customers treat me the way he does. -Makovu

Textiquette

One of many, but NOT playing the texting game. When my current boyfriend and I were still just "talking" and right up to our first dates, I couldn't believe he'd actually respond immediately and carry on actual conversations.

I'd never been involved with someone new I felt like I could just contact whenever for no reason without it being too forward. -what_a_cat_astrophe

Thoughtfulness

My SO recently bought me a book that I couldn't even remember I wanted. He saw me check the price at the bookstore and put it back, then went back in a few days later and bought it for me. -msstark

Positivity

Positive talking points. They talk about things they like instead of opening conversations by talking about things they don't like. Positive vs negative conversation is a big thing. -eai36

This is a good one! I've noticed that my worst dates have tended to be with people who try to bond over the things they dislike/hate/oppose rather than like/love/are passionate about. -todayonbloopers

Close Friends

Having long-term close friends, and good female friends, and treats me like a friend rather than someone he's trying to make it with.

When I began dating my boyfriend, he introduced me to his closest friends, about 10 of them that he had known since he was a little kid. Showed me that obviously he's a pretty good person if all these people have stuck around with him for nearly 20 years, and he keeps people close through hard times or distance. -perfectdrug659

AskMen, Become a Better Man, Big Shiny Things, Mantics and guyQ are among the federally registered trademarks of Ziff Davis Canada, Inc. and may not be used by third parties without explicit permission.